Inline with the directives of the Inspector General Of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Oqua Etim has ordered the Immediate deployment of personnel and operational apparatus around the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) critical assets/facilities in the state.
This was revealed in a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer,Gombe State Command, ASP Mu’azu Mahid Abubakar.
He said, the deployment was in addition to covert surveillance activities and intelligence gathering to checkmate crimes and other nefarious activities as well as ensure that enemies of the state do not destroy the ongoing peaceful Political process towards the 2023 General Election in the State.
The statement added, “The deployments are to deter all criminal elements from having access to INEC facilities and to prevent any attempt to undermine security around INEC facilities and to coordinate a swift response to emergency”.
CP Etim also directed the Divisional Police Officers and their supervisory Area Commanders to ensure strategic deployment of tactical teams at INEC offices within their respective areas of responsibility in a bid to strengthen security and sustained surveillance in the State.
He warned politicians against the use of vulnerable youths for thuggery and use of non state actors carrying cutlasses, sticks, daggers or knives during Political campaigns or rallies in public.
The CP warned that, violators alongside sponsors would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with sec 92, sub section 7 and 8 of the Electoral Act 2022.
